Kuhstall & Himmelsleiter
Kuhstall
The second-largest natural sandstone arch in Saxon Switzerland. Pass through the rock gate, then climb the narrow 'Himmelsleiter' crevice to the top for views over the forest.
The Kuhstall is a huge natural sandstone arch. According to local legend, villagers hid their livestock in the cavern during the Thirty Years' War to escape raiders, which is how it got its name. The arch is about 11 metres high and 17 metres wide, and from the opening you can look out over the rolling forest of the national park. Next to the cave is a steep iron ladder called the Himmelsleiter, or 'Stairway to Heaven', which squeezes through a rock crevice up to a small viewing platform at the top. Larger visitors may find it tight. The climb from the tram terminus at Lichtenhain Waterfall takes about 30 to 40 minutes. There is a mountain restaurant nearby, and admission is free.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Kirnitzsch Valley & Lichtenhain Waterfall
- Großer Winterberg
- Pravčická brána
- Schrammsteine
- Kamenice Gorge (Edmundsklamm)
- Bad Schandau & Historic Lift
- Brand Viewpoint
- Hohnstein Castle